Quote Originally Posted by MoneyBloxx:
I laugh at these posts that point out the reasons why a team loses WHEN they lose. But when they are winning, what is it? The Clippers were a solid team in the competitive WC all season even with injuries to Blake where he missed several games. Austin Rivers, I agree shouldn't have been picked up, but why wasn't he a problem when the Clippers were winning and putting together winning streaks?
Yes the Clippers shxtted bad last night. But that does not mean this series is over. Spurs are supposed to win their first game at home. Now the Clippers will adjust to steal a game just like Spurs did. Doc is not a hall of fame coach but he has been to the finals twice as a coach and knows how to maximize his players. He made Rondo the player he had become, and made chemistry with Pierce, Allen, and Garnett work well...IN THE FIRST SEASON OF THE BIG 3. Erik Spoelstra couldn't do that his first year with an arguably better Big 3.
Clippers respond in game 4 must-win situation.
Clippers ML
First, playoff basketball is a very different animal, so I do not use the regular season as much of a barometer. However, using the regular season to prepare your team for the postseason is essential and exposes a wide gap between Pop and Rivers.
Second, Rivers had considerable help with Thibodeau as his defensive ace. Do not discount this as a huge factor in Rivers' success. In addition, Garnett, Pierce and Allen were/are consummate professionals who were playoff savvy in 2007-8. Their cohesion was more due to themselves than Rivers performing some extraordinary magic(Spoelstra went to the Finals 4 straight times, much better than Rivers, lest you forget).
Outside of CP3, the Clippers do not have those types of players. Blake is not there yet.
Let's look at the coaching difference. It's really not even close between Rivers and Pop. Pop has been great for over 15 years, while Rivers really had 3 good seasons(with Thibs alongside him).
Pop has developed a bench who he can rely on to play serious minutes, as evidenced by Patty Mills in game 2. Rivers has been abysmal with developing his bench and in the regular season you can get away with that BS. Not in the playoffs. Signing Hawes was a mistake as was dumping Jordan Farmar. No Jared Dudley hurts also. All Doc moves.
Do you see how the Spurs have carefully game planned to allow Blake to shoot open jumpers?(similar to the LBJ strategy in 2013). It's working. Blake does not have a consistent jumper and is rightfully being left open.
Good luck with your ML bet, but Doc is not a great coach and the Clippers are not a championship team.